F-100 Ranger XLT Is a True Blue Stunner at Mecum Davenport

Rust-free F-100 Ranger XLT has only had one repaint and still rolls upon its factory slotted wheels.

While some of the Ford Trucks crew were in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show last week, a few of us flew to the chilly farmlands of Davenport, Iowa. Why would we do that? To check out the cool Ford trucks and SUVs at the Mecum Gone Farmin’ auction, of course. Whether it was an old F-100 Ranger XLT or a new F-150, we just couldn’t miss out on the action.

Speaking of awesome trucks, we saw the Bahama Blue 1977 F-100 Ranger XLT pictured above roll down the green carpet during the festivities. One of 100 lots available for bid at Gone Farmin’s first-ever vintage truck auction, it stole the show in Davenport.

Originally from Virginia, the F-100 was repainted once to its factory color, and still rolls upon its OEM slotted wheels. Under the hood is a 351 H-code V8, likely a swap from the 351M that was there originally. The big V8 sends its hard-working horses to the rear through an automatic transmission.

Inside the rust-free F-100, there’s a modern stereo system in place of the stock unit. Aside from that, the Bahama Blue interior is as stock as it was the day it rolled off the line. There’s a big bench for you and your friends, and the wood trim warms up the truck wonderfully. And speaking of warmth, if it gets too hot out in the field, the AC will cool you off quickly.

Behind the F-100’s cabin, the bed, too, is well-preserved. A simple floor liner protects the paint from scuffs and dirt any hay bales might deliver. It’s certainly the perfect place for spending the night at the drive-in. All you need is a few blankets and pillows, drop the tailgate, and you’ll be good to go to enjoy the show!

This Virginia F-100 eventually left with its new owner for nearly $19,000. That’s not a bad price at all, especially for a four-decade-old truck as nice as this one. We hope the new owner gets as much out of the blue beauty as possible.

Photos: Cameron Aubernon for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

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Cameron Aubernon

Cameron Aubernon's path to automotive journalism began in the early New '10s. Back then, a friend of hers thought she was an independent fashion blogger.

Aubernon wasn't, so she became one, covering fashion in her own way for the next few years.

From there, she's written for: Louisville.com/Louisville Magazine, Insider Louisville, The Voice-Tribune/The Voice, TOPS Louisville, Jeffersontown Magazine, Dispatches Europe, The Truth About Cars, Automotive News, Yahoo Autos, RideApart, Hagerty, and Street Trucks.

Aubernon also served as the editor-in-chief of a short-lived online society publication in Louisville, Kentucky, interned at the city's NPR affiliate, WFPL-FM, and was the de facto publicist-in-residence for a communal art space near the University of Louisville.

Aubernon is a member of the International Motor Press Association, and the Washington Automotive Press Association.

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